Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe: Comfort in a Dish

Crafting a broccoli rice casserole brings comfort and warmth to any gathering around the dinner table.

Creamy textures and vibrant green florets promise a delightful meal that speaks directly to your heart.

Cheese melts into golden pools, binding fluffy rice and tender vegetables into one irresistible dish.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary side into something extraordinary and memorable.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together with minimal preparation.

Packed with nutrients and flavor, the recipe delivers a satisfying experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs on Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works great and adds more fiber and nutrients to the casserole.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when baking from cold.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the chicken with extra vegetables like cauliflower or add plant-based protein like tofu or beans.

• How can I make this casserole more flavorful?

Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like thyme or parsley to boost the flavor profile of the dish.

What Makes Broccoli Rice Casserole So Comforting

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Toss together rice, chicken, and broccoli with minimal prep, creating a satisfying meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Fusion: Combines kid-approved ingredients like cheese and chicken with nutritious broccoli, making it a crowd-pleaser for picky eaters and health-conscious parents.
• Versatile Comfort Cuisine: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home, this casserole adapts to any occasion with its hearty and wholesome profile.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Uses just a few bowls and a baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and making post-meal cleanup a breeze for busy home cooks.

Ingredients for Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Rice: A fluffy and tender base that provides structure to the casserole.
• Chicken: Shredded protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the dish.
• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that brings nutrition and color to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich, tangy flavor.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy sauce that helps bind ingredients and adds depth of flavor.
• Milk: Liquid that helps create a smooth and cohesive sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

• Breadcrumbs, Butter: Crispy topping that provides a golden, crunchy texture to the casserole surface.

How to Prepare Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven and set the temperature to a toasty 350F (175C). This will ensure your casserole gets perfectly golden and bubbly.

Step 2: Mix the Hearty Base

• Fluffy cooked rice
• Tender shredded chicken
• Vibrant chopped broccoli
• Sharp cheddar cheese

Blend these ingredients until they’re beautifully integrated.

Step 3: Create the Silky Sauce

• Creamy cream of chicken soup
• Smooth milk
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of black pepper

Stir until the sauce becomes perfectly smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Pour the velvety sauce over your rice and chicken blend. Gently fold everything together until each morsel is lovingly coated.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Transfer your luscious mixture into a generously greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Craft the Crispy Topping

Mix golden breadcrumbs with melted butter, creating a crunchy crown for your casserole.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the casserole is steaming hot. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s faces light up!

Pro Tips for Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Cheese Selection Savvy: Choose sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor or mix cheeses like monterey jack and cheddar for complexity.
• Breadcrumb Boost: Toast breadcrumbs before sprinkling for extra crunch and nutty depth to the casserole topping.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap chicken with turkey, ham, or tofu to accommodate different dietary preferences and protein needs.
• Veggie Variation: Add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and colorful texture in the casserole.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of garlic powder to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Flavor Variations for Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or black beans for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cream of mushroom soup, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and use Greek yogurt instead of cream soup to reduce carbohydrates.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio offers bright, refreshing notes that cut through the casserole's creamy richness, creating a balanced dining experience.
• Complement with Fresh Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette adds crisp texture and acidity, helping to lighten the hearty casserole and provide nutritional balance.
• Match with Roasted Garlic Bread: Crusty, warm garlic bread provides a delightful crunch and aromatic garlic flavor that enhances the comforting cheesy chicken and rice base.
• Serve with Chilled Cucumber Slaw: A cool, crunchy cucumber slaw with a hint of dill adds refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy casserole, creating a delightful flavor and texture combination.

Storage Advice for Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

Delicious Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting broccoli rice casserole brings creamy cheesy goodness straight from Southern kitchens to dinner tables. Rich with melted cheddar and tender vegetables, this hearty dish promises warm satisfaction that calls you back for seconds.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a welcoming culinary canvas by heating the oven to a cozy 350F (175C), setting the stage for a comforting meal.
2. Harmoniously blend the tender cooked rice, succulent shredded chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and rich cheddar cheese in a spacious mixing vessel.
3. Craft a luscious binding sauce by whisking the cream of chicken soup with smooth milk, then season with a gentle touch of salt and pepper.
4. Marry the creamy soup mixture with the rice ensemble, stirring until each ingredient is lovingly coated and intertwined.
5. Gracefully transfer the aromatic mixture into a generously greased baking dish, creating a promising foundation for the upcoming culinary masterpiece.
6. Elevate the casserole’s texture by creating a golden, crispy topping: combine breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle this crunchy mixture evenly across the surface.
7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 30 minutes until the top achieves a beautiful golden-brown hue and the interior becomes thoroughly heated, promising a delightful dining experience.

Notes

• Customize the cheese by swapping cheddar with your favorite variety like monterey jack or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
• Create a vegetarian version by replacing chicken with firm tofu or additional roasted vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini.
• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty, wholesome texture.
• Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium cream of chicken soup and using reduced-fat cheese for a healthier alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 408 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg